Socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement

Abstract

A socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end, arranged for receiving at least a portion of the handle; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the tubular passage, wherein the wall is configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the tubular passage.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Cleaning implements for cleaning surfaces are well known in both the domestic and industrial settings. Examples of these include brooms, and mops such as string mops and flat mops, each of which include a handle on one end for the user to hold, and a cleaning head on the opposite end for cleaning.

[0002] Through the years, different types of handles have been developed, of which the main types are illustrated in figures 1 to 4. FIG. 1 shows an example of a handle 11 that is made of a solid material such as wood. FIG. 2 shows an example of a handle 21 that is made of aluminium and is provided at one end with a thread. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B shows a handle 31 which includes an engagement part 33 provided with a lobe-shaped profile, which has three ribs or lobes in this example, known as a trilobal handle. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show a further example of a handle 41 that includes a cover 43 enclosing a cavity 45 that surrounds a threaded rod 47. Each of the examples of handles 11, 21, 31, 41 are significantly different from one another. Therefore, for a single cleaning implement, different types of adaptors or sockets are required for attaching each specific handle type. Carrying different adaptors or sockets required for the different types of handles is impractical, and changing the adaptor or socket is time-consuming.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate or mitigate these problems. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement that is compatible with different handles, to improve functionality and efficiency.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement.

[0005] According to an aspect, there is provided a socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end, arranged for receiving at least a portion of the handle; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the passage, wherein the wall is configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the passage.

[0006] Thus, the socket includes a cylindrical wall with a tubular passage, slots and splines that makes the socket suitable for engaging different types of handles. The splines may provide a compression fit for the handle to improve stability and engagement. Since the splines are provided projecting towards the passage relative to the cylindrical wall, different shapes, sizes and types of handles can be accommodated. In addition, the spaced apart slots about the circumference of the wall provide additional attachment points, for example for receiving a lobe-shaped handle. In particular, the lobe-shaped handle may comprise ribs, and the slots may be shaped and sized to grip the ribs as the ribs are pushed into the slots. In particular, the slots may be shaped and sized to form a transition fit (e.g., a push fit) or an interference fit (e.g., a force fit, or a tight fit) with the ribs of the lobe-shaped handle, thereby attaching the handle to the socket. Therefore, the socket is provided with additional functionality because it is compatible with different types of handles, which improves efficiency of cleaning by removing the need to change sockets when a different cleaning handle is required.

[0007] In examples, the plurality of splines of the wall are configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the passage.

[0008] The slots may extend into the base. The slots may be configured such that terminal ends of each of the ribs are received within the base.

[0009] In examples, the socket is absent of threaded surfaces.

[0010] In examples, the plurality of splines are integrally formed with the wall.

[0011] In examples, the handle insertion end comprises a spline-free portion.

[0012] In examples, the spline-free portion spans a distance in the range of 1 to 10 millimetres from the handle insertion end. In specific examples, the spline-free portion spans a distance in the range of 2 to 5 millimetres from the handle insertion end. In examples, the spline-free portion spans a distance in the range of 3 to 4 millimetres. The provision of a spline-free portion is particularly beneficial because it reduces splaying upon insertion of a handle, reducing friction and damage during assembly of the handle and socket.

[0013] In examples, the ends of the splines proximal to the handle insertion end comprises a ramped surface. Providing a ramped surface in this way is advantageous because frictional engagement between the socket and handle is gradually introduced during insertion of the handle, reducing friction and splaying during assembly.

[0014] In examples, the slots extend towards the handle insertion end.

[0015] In examples, the slots extend the entire height of the wall.

[0016] In examples, the slots are equidistantly spaced from one another about the circumference of the wall.

[0017] In examples, the wall comprises three slots. In examples, the slots are spaced from one another by 120 degrees about the circumference of the wall.

[0018] In examples, the plurality of splines have a width that narrows towards the handle insertion end.

[0019] In examples, the splines have a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0020] In examples, the socket further comprises a base, wherein the wall is upstanding from the base. In examples, the base comprises a cleaning implement attachment portion configured for attaching a cleaning implement.

[0021] In examples, the socket further comprises an outer lip upstanding from the base, surrounding the wall. In examples, a gap is formed between the outer lip and the wall, arranged to receive and support at least a portion of a handle when the handle is inserted into the passage. By providing an outer lip, the handle is better supported by the socket, to improve engagement and support of the handle on the socket.

[0022] In examples, the outer lip comprises a curved projection at each location corresponding to the slots. In examples, the outer lip and the base together form a recess at which the curved projection terminates. This is particularly beneficial because the recess can accommodate a lower part of the handle, which improves support and engagement of the handle within the socket.

[0023] In examples, the socket is a mop socket for attaching a handle to a mop.

[0024] According to another aspect, there is provided a socket assembly for a cleaning implement, comprising: a socket, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the passage; and a handle at least partially received in the passage of the wall, wherein the wall is arranged to grip the handle.

[0025] In examples, the handle is one of: a solid handle, a threaded handle, a lobe-shaped handle, and a cover handle.

[0026] In examples, the handle is a threaded handle, and the rotational insertion of the threaded handle into the passage of the wall forms a groove in the plurality of splines for engaging the threaded handle. In examples, the groove in the plurality of splines forms a continuous thread across adjacent splines. The provision of grooves and / or a continuous thread in this way improves frictional engagement between the handle and the socket.

[0027] In examples, the socket comprises three slots. In examples, the handle is a three-lobed handle comprising three ribs each received in a respective slot.

[0028] In examples, the handle is a cover handle comprising a cylindrical cover portion shaped and sized to form a compression fit around an outside of the wall.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Although the examples described relate to a socket for attaching a handle of a mop, it is envisaged that the socket can be used to attach handles of other cleaning implements, such as for example a broom. FIG. 1 illustrates a solid wooden handle. FIG. 2 illustrates a threaded handle. FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a lobe-shaped handle, in particular a three-lobed (or trilobal) handle. FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the lobe-shaped handle. FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a cover handle. FIG. 4B illustrates a side section view of the cover handle. FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an example socket. FIG. 5B illustrates the example socket of FIG. 5A in a side view. FIG. 5C illustrates the example socket of FIG. 5A in a top view. FIG. 5D illustrates the example socket of FIG. 5A in a side section view. FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of another example socket. FIG. 6B illustrates the example socket of FIG. 6A in a side view, including a clip. FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly including the socket of FIG. 6A and a handle of FIG. 1. FIG. 7B illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 7A in a top view. FIG. 7C illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 7A in a side section view. FIG. 7D illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 7A in a section view through the cylindrical wall. FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly including the socket of FIG. 6A and a handle of FIG. 2. FIG. 8B illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 8A in a bottom view. FIG. 8C illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 8A in a side section view. FIG. 8D illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 8A in a section view through the cylindrical wall. FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly including the socket of FIG. 6A and a handle of FIG. 3A. FIG. 9B illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 9A in a bottom view. FIG. 9C illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 9A in a side section view. FIG. 9D illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 9A in a section view through the cylindrical wall. FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a socket assembly including the socket of FIG. 6A and a handle of FIG. 4A. FIG. 10B illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 10A in a bottom view. FIG. 10C illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 10A in a side section view. FIG. 10D illustrates the socket assembly of FIG. 10A in a section view through the cylindrical wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly', 'outer' and 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0032] Further, as used herein, the terms 'connected', 'attached', 'coupled' and 'mounted' are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0033] Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, "first", "second" and "third" etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

[0034] Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

[0035] A socket 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D. The socket 500 includes a cylindrical wall 502 that defines a tubular passage 506. The surface of the wall 502 is discontinuous in the sense that a plurality of slots 508 are arranged spaced apart from one another about its circumference. Each slot 508 extends in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall 502. The slots 508 extend substantially the entire height of the wall 502. Three slots 508 are provided in the wall 502 in this example. The three slots 508 are equidistantly spaced from one another about the circumference of the wall 502, such that in this example the spacing between adjacent slots is 120 degrees. An inner surface of the wall 502 is provided with a plurality of splines 510 which project into the passage 506. The splines 510 are distributed along the inner surface of the wall 502. In this example, the splines 510 are integrally formed with the wall 502. The socket 500 in this example is made of polypropylene copolymer. It is envisaged that the socket 500 may be made of other materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate, for example.

[0036] The socket 500 is provided with a spline-free portion 512 near the top, at a handle insertion end. The handle insertion end is the end of the socket 500 from which the handle is inserted. The splines 510 are arranged below the spline-free portion 512. The space available within the wall 502 at the splined area including the splines 510 is less than that available in the spline-free portion 512. The spline-free portion 512 spans a distance of around 3 to 4 millimetres from the handle insertion end. It is envisaged that the spline-free portion 512 may be larger in some example embodiments, and smaller in others, for example spanning a distance in the range of 1 to 10 millimetres from the handle insertion end, in particular, between 2 to 5 millimetres from the handle insertion end.

[0037] Extending between the spline-free portion 512 and each spline 510 is a ramped surface 514. The ramped surface 514 is provided at an end of the splines 510 proximal to the handle insertion end. The ramped surface 514 provides a gradual transition between the spline-free portion 512 and the portion including splines 510. In this example, the splines 510 have a width that narrows towards the handle insertion end. The splines 510 have a cross-sectional shape that is rounded. In other words, the thickness of the splines 510 is greatest at the bottom of the wall 502 at an end opposite the handle insertion end and reduces towards the handle insertion end. The socket 500 does not have any surfaces that is provided with a thread. In particular, the wall 502 does not comprise a thread on its external surface.

[0038] The socket 500 includes a base 504, from which the wall 502 upstands. The side surfaces of the base 504 are concave in shape. The upper surface of the base 504 forms a convex surface, and is provided with a cleaning implement attachment portion that is used for attaching a clip (624, FIG. 6B) to accommodate a cleaning head such as a mop head. In this particular example, the attachment portion is provided in the form of two apertures 522 which can receive legs of the clip 624 for clamping, and attaching a cleaning head. The socket 500 is a mop socket in this example, which can accommodate a mop head.

[0039] The socket 500 in this example includes an outer lip 516 upstanding from the base 504, which surrounds the wall 502. A gap is provided between the surfaces of the wall 502 and the outer lip 516. The outer lip 516 is provided with a number of curved projections 518 at locations around the outer lip 516 that correspond to the positions of the slots 508. There are three curved projections 518 each aligned with the slots 508, spaced from each other by 120 degrees. The curved projections 518 form a bulge in a direction away from the passage 506 to provide an enlarged gap at the locations of the curved projections 518. As best seen in FIG. 5C, the outer lip 516 and the base 504 together form a recess 520 at which each curved projection 518 terminates.

[0040] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show an alternative socket 600 which is similar to the sockets 500 previously described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D. The difference of the socket 600 over the previously-described socket 500 is that the socket 600 does not include the outer lip 516 of socket 500. The shape of the slot 608 in the wall 602 is therefore more clearly shown. The slots 608 extends towards the handle insertion end and terminates in a rounded end at the base 604. In this example, the slots 608 extend the entire height of the wall 602. FIG. 6B illustrates the socket 600 with a clip 624 attached. The clip 624 can be used for attaching a cleaning head, such as a mop head. As with the example of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D, the socket 600 does not have any surfaces that is provided with a thread. In particular, the wall 602 does not comprise a thread on its external surface.

[0041] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D show a socket assembly 700 including the solid wooden handle 11 of FIG. 1 attached to the socket 600. The handle 11 is inserted into the wall 602 from the handle insertion end such that the handle 11 is received inside the passage 606. Upon insertion, the handle 11 comes into contact with the ramped surface 614 and continues until it engages with and is gripped by the splines 610. The splines 610 hold the handle 11 in place by friction. Each spline 610 contributes to holding the handle 11 in place by friction, as best seen in FIG. 7D.

[0042] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D show another socket assembly 800 which includes the socket 600. However, the socket 600 is used to attach the handle 21 of FIG. 2. The handle 21 is inserted into the wall 602 in the same manner as described previously. However, the handle 21 has a one end that is threaded. The handle 21 is made of aluminium. Therefore, when the handle 21 is inserted in a rotational manner, the threads 23 of the handle 21 come into contact with the splines 610, and form a groove in the surface of the splines 610. In other words, the rotational insertion of the handle 21 causes a groove to be cut into the splines 610 by the threads 23. The socket 600 in this example is made of polypropylene copolymer. It is envisaged that the socket 600 may be made of other materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate, for example. The socket 600 may be made of a material that is softer than aluminium. The grooves in the splines 610 may form a continuous thread across adjacent splines 610. By providing grooves and / or a continuous thread in this way, the engagement between the threaded handle 21 and the socket 600 is improved, holding the handle 21 firmly in place.

[0043] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D show a socket assembly 900 including the socket 600 and the lobe-shaped handle 31 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Upon insertion of the handle 31 into the wall 602, the engagement part 33 engages with the splines 610 which grip onto the handle 31. At the same time, the slots 608 in the wall 602 receive and support the ribs 35 of the handle 31. The ribs 35 of the handle 31 are accommodated in the recesses 620. The wall 602 therefore grips the handle 31 when it is inserted into the passage 606. In particular, the slots 608 may be shaped and sized to grip the ribs 35 as the ribs 35 are pushed into the slots 608. In particular, the slots 608 may be shaped and sized to form a transition fit (e.g., a push fit) or an interference fit (e.g., a force fit, or a tight fit) with the ribs 35 of the lobe-shaped handle 31, thereby attaching the handle 31 to the socket 600. As shown in FIG. 9A the slots 608 may extend into the base 604 such that terminal ends of each of the ribs 35 are received within the base 604. Beneficially, this may inhibit debris collecting between the ends of the ribs 35 and the base 604. When the ribs 35 of the handle 31 are inserted into the respective slots 608 of the wall 602, the end surface 37 of the handle 31 rests against an upper surface of the wall 602 which predetermines the insertion depth of the handle 31 into the socket 600.

[0044] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D show a socket assembly 1000 including the socket 600 and the cover handle 41 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The socket 600 and handle 41 are each sized so that the handle 41 attaches to the socket 600 by a compression fit between an inner surface of the cylindrical shaped cover 43 with an outer surface of the wall 602. When the handle 41 is attached in this way to the socket 600, the threaded rod 47 of the handle 41 is received within the passage 606 of the wall 602. In some examples, the threaded rod 47 is in engagement with the splines 610. In other examples, the threaded rod 47 may have a diameter that is smaller than the spacing at the splines 610 so that the threaded 47 is not in engagement with the splines 610. It is envisaged that only the threads of the threaded rod 47 may be in engagement with the splines 610. It is also envisaged that a socket assembly may include a socket 500 having the outer lip 516, so that the gap provided between the wall 502 and the outer lip 516 may accommodate and support the cover 43 of the handle 41 once assembled.

[0045] The same socket is therefore capable of attaching different types of handles, for example solid handles, threaded handles, lobe-shaped handles and cover handles. The socket is provided with additional functionality because it is compatible with different types of handles, which improves efficiency of cleaning by removing the need to change sockets when a different cleaning handle is required.

[0046] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0047] Through the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0048] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0049] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Claims

1. A socket for attaching a handle to a cleaning implement, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end, arranged for receiving at least a portion of the handle; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the tubular passage, wherein the wall is configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the tubular passage.

2. The socket of claim 1, wherein the plurality of splines of the wall are configured to grip the handle when the handle is inserted into the tubular passage.

3. The socket of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the socket is absent of threaded surfaces.

4. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of splines are integrally formed with the wall.

5. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handle insertion end comprises a spline-free portion.

6. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ends of the splines proximal to the handle insertion end comprises a ramped surface.

7. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slots extend towards the handle insertion end.

8. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the slots are equidistantly spaced from one another about the circumference of the wall.

9. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wall comprises three slots.

10. The socket of claim 9, wherein the slots are spaced from one another by 120 degrees about the circumference of the wall.

11. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of splines have a width that narrows towards the handle insertion end.

12. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the splines have a rounded cross-sectional shape.

13. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a base, wherein the wall is upstanding from the base.

14. The socket of claim 13, wherein the base comprises a cleaning implement attachment portion configured for attaching a cleaning implement.

15. The socket of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising an outer lip upstanding from the base, surrounding the wall.

16. The socket of claim 15, wherein a gap is formed between the outer lip and the wall, arranged to receive and support at least a portion of a handle when the handle is inserted into the tubular passage.

17. The socket of claim 15 or 16, wherein the outer lip comprises a curved projection at each location corresponding to the slots.

18. The socket of claim 17, wherein the outer lip and the base together form a recess at which the curved projection terminates.

19. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the socket is a mop socket for attaching a handle to a mop.

20. The socket of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of slots are configured to grip ribs of the handle to attach the handle to the socket, for example the plurality of slots are shaped and sized to form a transition fit or an interference fit with the ribs of the handle.

21. A socket assembly for a cleaning implement, comprising: a socket, comprising: a cylindrical wall defining a tubular passage having a handle insertion end; a plurality of slots extending in a longitudinal direction through a thickness of the wall and spaced apart from one another about a circumference of the wall; and a plurality of splines on an inner surface of the wall, projecting into the tubular passage; and a handle at least partially received in the tubular passage of the wall, wherein the wall is arranged to grip the handle.

22. The socket assembly of claim 21, wherein the handle is one of: a solid handle, a threaded handle, a lobe-shaped handle, and a cover handle.

23. The socket assembly of claim 22, wherein the handle is a threaded handle, and the rotational insertion of the threaded handle into the tubular passage of the wall forms a groove in the plurality of splines for engaging the threaded handle.

24. The socket assembly of claim 23, wherein the groove in the plurality of splines forms a continuous thread across adjacent splines.

25. The socket assembly of claim 22, wherein the socket comprises three slots, and the handle is a three-lobed handle comprising three ribs each received in a respective slot.

26. The socket assembly of claim 22, wherein the handle is a cover handle comprising a cylindrical cover portion shaped and sized to form a compression fit around an outside of the wall.

Images